This bill declares that parents' right to direct their children's upbringing, education, and healthcare is a fundamental constitutional right that cannot be substantially restricted by government without a "compelling governmental interest of the highest order." The legislation applies to federal, state, and local governments and covers parental decisions about education, moral and religious upbringing, and access to children's medical records. The bill creates exceptions only when parental actions would cause serious physical injury or end a child's life. Parents may sue in federal or state courts or before administrative tribunals to enforce these rights and recover attorney's fees if they prevail. The bill is intentionally broad, instructing courts to interpret it in favor of expansive parental authority and applying it to all existing and future federal laws unless those laws explicitly opt out.
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